As a Chiropractor, I can’t tell where subluxations are on my own. I need scientific, objective tools to be my companion.

The two most critical scientific, objective tools utilized to locate and analyze a subluxation are scientific instruments and imaging. Instrumentation and imaging are the scientific methods used to determine the biomechanical spine positioning and neural integrity of Nerve System function.

The textbook Clinical Practice Guideline: Vertebral Subluxation in Chiropractic Practice published by the Council on Chiropractic Practice states “Instrumentation is indicated for the qualitative and/or quantitative assessment of the biomechanical and physiological components of vertebral subluxation.”

Established, evidence-based instruments include: Postural Analysis, Inclinometry, Goniometry, Skin Temperature Differentials (Paraspinal Thermography) and Muscle Strength Testing.

In my practice, I utilize Skin Temperature Differentials as my scientific instrument. Skin Temperature Differentials allow me to gauge neurophysiology at the spinal level. Quoting again from the Practice Guidelines on Vertebral Subluxation: “The measurement of paraspinal cutaneous thermal asymmetries and other measurements of anomalies have been shown to be a mode of sympathetic nervous system assessment, which may be used as one indicator of vertebral subluxation.”

Established, evidence-based imaging include: Radiography (X-rays), Videofluoroscopy, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT) and Spinal Ultrasonography

The Vertebral Subluxation in Chiropractic Practice textbook states that “Diagnostic imaging procedures may be utilized to characterize the biomechanical manifestations of vertebral subluxation, and to determine the presence of conditions which affect the safety and appropriateness of chiropractic care.”

In my practice, I utilize radiography (X-rays) as my primary means for vertebral subluxation detection. The Practice Guidelines on Vertebral Subluxation has this to say on radiography: “Plain film radiography is indicated: to provide information concerning the structural integrity of the spine, skull and pelvis; the misalignment component of the vertebral subluxation; the foraminal alteration component of the vertebral subluxation; and the postural status of the spinal column.”

There will always be a degree of subjectivity to analyzing a subluxation, but the more you can tip the scales into the realm of objectivity, the better. In fact, if objective tools are not at the foundation of subluxation analysis, you are not practicing within the scope of Chiropractic.

Chiropractic by definition is a Philosophy, Science and Art. If there was no science to it, then Chiropractic couldn’t stand on its own as a distinct healthcare service. The reality of a vertebral subluxation is validated by the science utilized by the Chiropractor.

- Jarek Esarco, DC, CACCP

Jarek Esarco, DC, CACCP is a pediatric, family wellness and upper cervical specific Chiropractor. He is an active member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA). Dr. Jarek has postgraduate certification in Pediatric Chiropractic through the ICPA. Dr. Jarek also has postgraduate certification in the HIO Specific Brain Stem technique through The TIC Institute. Dr. Jarek is happily married to his wife Regina. They live in Youngstown, Ohio with their daughter Ruby.